Optimization of operating parameters to maximize the current density without dehydration at the anode membrane interface of a PEM fuel cell using Taguchi method

A mathematical model was developed to investigate the membrane dehydration which appears at the anode side of the membrane by varying various operating parameters like fuel cell operating temperature, anode humidification temperature and anode stoichiometry. Taguchi optimization methodology is then combined with this model to determine the optimal combination of the operating parameters to maximize the current density without membrane dehydration. The sensitivity of each parameter is then analyzed by employing analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results show that higher fuel cell temperature and anode humidification temperature are favorable and also that these two operating parameters are the most significant parameters in the ratio of 86.47% and 11.47%, respectively to get the maximum current draw without membrane dehydration at the anode side. This analysis is more useful where fuel cell operates under high current density, particularly in automotive applications.